Learning Polish for Foreigners: The Best Courses and Programs

For foreigners moving to Poland or planning to study, work or integrate into Polish society, learning Polish is a key step. Knowledge of the language opens up more opportunities for education, career and social integration. In Poland, there are many courses and programs aimed at learning Polish, and they are available for both adults and children. In this article, we will look at the best options for language courses and programs for foreigners.

Why is it worth learning Polish?

Polish not only helps foreigners to communicate effectively in everyday life, but also opens the way to successful integration into Polish society. Here are a few reasons why knowing Polish is important for foreigners:

1. Education: For international students planning to study at Polish universities, knowledge of the language is a prerequisite for admission to most programs. Many educational institutions offer classes in Polish, and language preparation courses are available for international students.
2. Employment: Many employers in Poland are looking for employees with knowledge of Polish. Although English is also used in international companies, knowledge of Polish greatly enhances employment opportunities.
3. Adaptation and integration: Knowledge of the language facilitates communication with locals, helps with everyday issues (shops, doctors, government agencies) and creates a sense of greater confidence and comfort in a new country.

The best courses and programs to learn Polish

There are many programs for learning Polish in Poland and abroad. Courses are offered both in public institutions and in private language schools. Some programs are available online, which is especially convenient for those who are not yet in Poland.

State language courses for foreigners

There are free or subsidized language courses for foreigners in Poland organized by state institutions.

• Integration centers for foreigners: In many large cities of Poland (Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw, Gdańsk) there are centers for foreigners where free language courses are organized. Such courses are usually aimed at beginners and help to quickly adapt to life in Poland.
• Courses for refugees and migrants: Many organizations offer special Polish language courses for refugees who have been granted temporary protection in Poland. These programs are often funded by the EU or local governments and are free of charge.

Polish language courses at universities

Many Polish universities offer language courses for international students. These programs are available both for those already studying at the university and for future students.

• Preparatory courses for admission: For foreigners who plan to study at a Polish university, there is an opportunity to take one-year or six-month language courses at universities. For example, the University of Warsaw and the Jagiellonian University offer intensive Polish courses to prepare for admission.
• Summer language schools: Some universities organize summer Polish language schools where students can spend 4-8 weeks learning the language and getting to know Polish culture and history.

Private language schools

Private language schools offer a wide range of programs for learning Polish – from beginner to advanced levels. They often have flexible schedules, which allows you to choose a convenient time for classes.

• Glossa School in Krakow: This is one of the most well-known language schools in Poland that specializes in teaching Polish to foreigners. It offers intensive, evening and online courses.
• Polish for Foreigners in Warsaw: Offers individual and group Polish classes for foreigners. The school is known for its quality programs to prepare for language exams and quick adaptation in the Polish environment.

Online Polish language courses

For those who cannot attend offline classes, there are many online platforms and courses that allow you to learn Polish from anywhere in the world.

• Platforma “PolishPod101”: This is a popular online resource for learning Polish that offers audio and video lessons, self-study materials, and interactive exercises.
• Duolingo: A free Polish language learning app that is great for beginners. Although it cannot replace advanced courses, it is a good way to start familiarizing yourself with the language or maintain basic skills.

Intensive language courses for migrants

Some organizations and language schools offer intensive language courses aimed at learning Polish quickly, which is especially useful for people who plan to start working or studying in Poland in a short time.

• Prolog Linguistic Center: This school offers intensive Polish language courses for adult migrants in Krakow. It is known for its high quality teaching and individual approach to each student.
• Courses from non-governmental organizations: Many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Poland, such as the Ocalenie Foundation in Warsaw, organize free or very affordable intensive Polish language courses for refugees and migrants.

Tips for learning Polish effectively

1. Practice in everyday life: In addition to classes, it is important to actively practice the language in everyday situations. Try to speak Polish in shops, cafes or with neighbors to develop your conversational skills faster.
2. Immerse yourself in the Polish environment: Read books in Polish, watch movies with subtitles, listen to the radio or podcasts. This will help you to expand your vocabulary and improve your understanding of the language.
3. Regularity: Regular lessons, even if they are short (15-30 minutes a day), will be more effective than long but infrequent lessons.
4. Group classes and conversation clubs: Some language schools or cultural centers organize conversation clubs where you can speak Polish with other students or native speakers. This is a great way to overcome the language barrier and develop confidence in spoken Polish.